**Due to sexual content and heavy subject matter, this book is recommended for ages 16+**

Fiercely liberal Monica Remy prefers to blend in. Despite her tattoos, piercings, and outspoken personality, she transferred to Central to escape—before she finds out that her next door neighbor is the uber conservative governor's son, Trey Chapman.

No matter how hard she tries to avoid Trey, he still finds a way to get under her skin. Monica can’t stand his crisp white shirts or his staunch views on women. But she can’t help counting every freckle on his face and wondering what it would feel like to have him stop talking politics and kiss her.

A class debate project forces the unlikely pair to work together, and the political lines are blurred in late-night make out sessions. But despite their fiery chemistry, Trey’s politics threatens to smother their relationship for good.

Magan Vernon is a Young Adult and New Adult writer who lives with her family in the insurance capital of the world. She is in a very serious, fake relationship with Adam Lambert and constantly asks her husband to wear guyliner. He still refuses. She also believes her husband is secretly an alien, disguised as a southern gentleman.

Opposites attract and this saying proves true in Magan Vernon's New Adult contemporary book, The Only Exception. This charming romance features an unlikely couple, differing political views and an instant attraction neither can deny. As theses two grow closer, the reader is utterly captivated by their blossoming relationship.

Monica transfers to Central to get away from traumatic memories at her previous college. As she's moving in, she encounters Secret Service men on her floor and comes face-to-face with the Governor's son, Trey. He is such a conservative from his dry cleaned business shirts and dress pants. She's quick to dismiss him but something inside her finds the young man appealing. He is gorgeous and she likes his eyes. Trey is immediately smitten with the red head with her outspoken views, facial piercing and she's not afraid to eat in front of a guy.

I've read a lot of New Adult books in the past year and some books do begin to blur together due to formulaic story lines or cookie-cutter characters. The Only Exception stands out with its refreshing portrayal and unique characterizations. This book has immediately found a place on my "NA Favorites" list. Both Monica and Trey are refreshing! She comes across so realistic, from eating fettucine alfredo in front of Trey to easily giving her opinions. She's strong and yet she doesn't seem to understand her strength. For a young woman traumatized by an event at her other school, she could have been angsty or so into her head to make her depressing. Monica is nothing like that. Yes, she is suffering but she has learned from her counselor she is a victim and a survivor. I loved the symbolism of her tattoos and the sweet way she shares their meaning with Trey.

What can I say about Trey? He's been raised under the scrutiny of being under the public eye, the youngest son of a Republican politician. He knows how to act in public and has impeccable control. Until he meets Monica. Talk about sweet--he is also refreshing with his way of dressing like a man, his persistence in getting Monica to say yes to a date, to treating her with the utmost respect. He's adorable, opinionated and charming. He has had to deal with living under the shadow of two successful older brothers and yet breaks the mold by not attending the same college as his family (only giving in to being a member of the same fraternity). His calm demeanor actually breaks in a pivotal party scene when he sees a guy bothering his girlfriend. Both characters don't drink nor do they care much for socializing (though we learn about Monica's past behavior). They respect their parents and each other, easily listening to each other when discussing politics. Watching a nervous Monica meeting Trey's parents was so believable and their attempts at some together time throughout the day was humorous.

I was smitten with Monica and Trey. Drawn together for a political science project, their friendship turns into a relationship. I liked how innocent Trey is and how he gets so comfortable into his role as boyfriend--sending flowers, bringing coffee, a memorable first dinner date (how sweet is that scene!), he would win any girl's heart. By the end, I so liked how he was able to understand the opposing political party's views. Monica is a wonderful young woman and the scene at her other school with Trey cemented my feelings for both. The Only Exception is much more than a love story. Opposites, attraction, individualism and surviving without having to change is a terrific combination for a winning contemporary NA romance.

Rating: 4

Cover comment:

What can I say about this cover? Another knock-out hit by Regina. How I love her cover designs!

Book source:

I received a promotional copy in return for my honest opinion in a review.